top of the rockies scenic and historic byway

If you are driving on Highway 91 (between Copper Mountain and Leadvile), take a few minutes to stop at the Top of the Rockies Byway Site. It's the kind of spot that locals drive by for years and never notice, or that tourists drive by and think - I wonder what that was?). But it's worth a few minutes of your time. It is located across the highway from the Climax Molybdenum Mine, and you are more likely to see a truck stand selling jerky than to notice the Site. The Site has good informational signage that explains the history of the Mine and what molybdenum is used for. There are mining artifacts which are quite interesting. Of course, the views are gorgeous. Watch out for lightning and quickly changing weather - but you are never far from the parking area, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything with you from your car.Of course, this stop is only available when not covered in snow. There was a porta-pottie when we visited.

We loved driving along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Highway out of Leadville, CO - what a gorgeous stretch of road with amazing views!